The next group is Thursday, March 18th “The Process of Adaptive Accessible Yoga”
When: March 18th, 4:00PM – 6:00PM PST on Zoom
Join the discussion and learn about the process of adaptive yoga with Toni van der Marel.
Toni’s Bio: Toni has been teaching Accessible Therapeutic Yoga since 2013, believing that Yoga should be available to EVERY-BODY, with no exceptions. She has specialized training in Yoga for Chronic Pain, Trauma and Mental Health and works in both Rehabilitation and Hospice communities. Her passion is creating classes where all feel welcome and included.
My name is Kellyanne and I’m a Casting Producer with Tiffany Company Casting (www.tiffanycompanycasting.com). We are casting a paid commercial for a Tech Company and are reaching out because we thought you may be right for this, or someone within your tribe and community.
We are seeking REAL DEAF persons that use ASL to communicate. The stipulation, one person needs to be based in the San Francisco / Bay Area and the other person needs to be in the NYC / tri-state area (within 100 miles of the city). We want to hear stories from those who have not seen each other due to the pandemic, but they frequently use video chatting to stay connected.
This will film one day, either MARCH 24 or MARCH 25, with a covid-conscious production. Filming will take place simultaneously in a studio, one in San Francisco and one in NYC. If selected to film the commercial, each participant will be paid $1000 / film session and a $5000 / buyout for usage.
Prequalifying audition-interviews via Zoom will be held on Wednesday March 17. Both persons in the pair will need to be available for this short, 15 minute Zoom call. An ASL speaker will be available for the call to help interpret.
For more information, and to apply, please follow the link here:
This month, Realize will host the National Episodic Disabilities and Employment Summit. This event will take place entirely online over 3 days. Our goal is to raise awareness on episodic disability and employment, discuss best practices in accommodation for episodic disabilities, and develop a report on the outcomes. The event will highlight tools, research, and projects that are beneficial to both people living with episodic disabilities, and their employers.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is currently reviewing Video Relay Service (VRS). The Commission would like to obtain feedback from as many Canadians as possible who use and rely on the system.
The participation of VRS users will help the Commission better understand the current issues and challenges related to this important service.
Among other things, the Commission is seeking comments on whether:
VRS efficiently addresses the needs of Canadians with hearing and speech disabilities;
there are aspects of the VRS regulatory framework or the service that require modifications or improvements; and
the Canadian Administrator of VRS’s governance structure, funding model and cap remain appropriate.
On behalf of the CAD-ASC, I would like to host a townhall meeting with you on Sunday, March 28th, at 1 p.m. EST until 3 p.m. EST (Ontario and Quebec). The time zone for all provinces of Canada are:
10 a.m. to 12p.m, PST (BC)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MST (Alberta)
12 p.m. to 2 p.m. CST (Saskatchewan and Manitoba)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. AST (East)
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. NST (Newfoundland)
The purpose of this townhall is:
– to discuss the upcoming AGM 2021 (in the summer).
– to explain and answer any questions related to individual membership.
– to listen to other concerns that you may have.
– to answer any questions that you may have.
ASL-LSQ interpretation will be provided.
You all are welcome. The meeting will be streamed on Facebook and Youtube. Our capacity in the zoom is only 100. Please watch through Facebook and Youtube; if you want to participate then join us in Zoom. The zoom link is here:
It’s been a challenging year, but we’re hoping we can make one thing easier – doing your taxes.
It’s important to do your taxes on time, every year. Getting them done will make sure you continue to receive your entitled benefit and credit payments.
Volunteers may be able to do your taxes for free through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). You could be eligible if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.
This year, many community organizations are hosting free, virtual tax clinics where you can get tax help by videoconference, by phone or through a document drop-off arrangement.
A list of tax clinics is posted on our website. They’re generally offered in March and April, with some even open year-round. You can also find a tax clinic with the free MyCRA web app when you select “Help with my taxes.”
Did you know the CVITP has been connecting volunteers from community organizations with people who need help filing their taxes for over 50 years? If your community organization would like to host a tax clinic or if you’d like to volunteer, go to canada.ca/taxes-volunteer to register online.
The Government of Canada, through the Department of Employment and Social Development, is seeking volunteers for its Canada’s Volunteer Awards’ National Advisory Committee.
The volunteer Committee is made up of 15 members that show passion and commitment in the field of volunteerism. ESDC is seeking candidates with experience working or volunteering in the not-for-profit, charity and business sectors. Persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, women, visible minorities and other under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. The Canada’s Volunteer Awards’ National Advisory Committee proudly represents Canada’s cultural, linguistic and regional diversity.
In an effort to keep our community partners connected, we are providing you with regular COVID-19 updates.
Ministry of Health update
In yesterday’s joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, reported 438 new cases. Due to challenges with the data system during the past week, there are an additional 254 cases during that time period. The data system problem is now resolved.
The total number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in B.C. now stands at 81,367 since the start of the pandemic. Of the new cases, 137 people were in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region.
Across the province, there were two new COVID-19 related deaths, while 243 people are currently hospitalized, with 63 of these cases receiving treatment in ICU/critical care. The total number of individuals who have passed away due to COVID-19 is 1,365. There are now 4,679 active cases of COVID-19 across B.C. currently.
There have been 22 new confirmed COVID-19 cases that are variants of concern in our province, for a total of 182 cases. Of the total cases, eight cases are active and the remaining people have recovered. This includes 159 cases of the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant and 23 cases of the B.1.351 (South Africa) variant.
Vaccination update
Since the start of immunizations, 283,182 vaccinations have been delivered in B.C. (not including today), with 86,537 of those being a second dose.
Dr. Henry said the addition of the newly approved AstraZeneca-Serum Institute of India viral vector vaccine also means we can look at accelerating availability of vaccine for essential workers, including for first responders and those who are unable to work from home.
While this is encouraging news for everyone, we are not yet at that important level of protection that we need to be at to put aside the public health restrictions. We have to have the confidence that we are slowing the spread in a sustained way, which means we need to continue to stay committed to using our layers of protection, to stay small and stay local right now.
More information and immunization data is available through this page: BCCDC.
VCH’s implementation of Phase 2 of B.C.’s Immunization – a reminder
On Monday, March 8, people can book their appointment by age group by calling 1-877-587-5767. The appointment booking line is toll-free and will operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To facilitate access to as many eligible seniors and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) people as possible, VCH invites people in the following age groups to call the appointment booking phone line from the dates indicated below:
Richmond, Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver
Call Starting March 8: (Vaccinations starting March 15)
Year of birth in or before 1931 (seniors 90 years of age and older); year of birth in or before 1956 for Indigenous people (65 years of age and older)
Call Starting March 15: (Vaccinations starting March 22)
Year of birth in or before 1936 (seniors 85 years of age and older); year of birth in or before 1956 for Indigenous people (65 years of age and older)
Call Starting March 22: (Vaccinations starting March 29)
Year of birth in or before 1941 (seniors 80 years of age and older); year of birth in or before 1956 for Indigenous people (65 years of age and older)
Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton
Call Starting March 8: (Vaccinations starting March 15)
Year of birth in or before 1941 (seniors 80 years of age and older); year of birth in or before 1956 for Indigenous people (65 years of age and older)
Before calling the phone line, residents are asked to have a pen and paper, their personal health number, full name, date of birth, postal code and a phone number available.
VCH’s implementation of Phase 2 of B.C.’s Immunization Plan – spread the word
VCH is appealing to family members, friends, neighbours and social services agencies to help reach eligible seniors and Indigenous people in the community. Please share the COVID-19 vaccination information with people 80 years of age and older, or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) people 65 years of age and older and Elders, to help them plan ahead for when the appointment booking phone line opens, according to age group. We encourage you to share the resources online (links below) or to print and distribute as needed to eligible seniors, their families and supports in your community and networks. Below are the current resources available, and more resources will be added to our website in additional languages.
Thank you for your support and dedication to keeping seniors in our communities healthy and well as we move into this next phase of immunizations.
For reference, below is important contact information related to COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are eligible to book a vaccine appointment at VCH: call 1-877-587-5767. This toll free line is only for booking vaccine appointments.
If you have a clinical question: first speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner, or call 811 for nursing advice prior to booking your appointment.
For questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call 1-888-COVID19 (1.888.268.4319) or visit gov.bc.ca/covid19.
For information on VCH vaccination clinics: vch.ca.
Testing
Anyone in the VCH region with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild, can now be assessed for and get a COVID-19 test. Contact your physician or nurse practitioner’s office, or a local community collection centre to arrange for a test. Phone numbers and locations of collection centres can be found by visiting: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing or by calling 8-1-1. For more information and latest updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the website: http://www.bccdc.ca/.
Are you a RELIABLE DEAF PERSON, with STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS who is PASSIONATE about educating the public on the uniqueness of the Deaf community and their cultural needs?
Over the years many organizations have become aware that they lack knowledge and skill, needed to address the unique needs of many minority groups. Hospitals, School Boards, and Non-Profits have been investing in educational sessions for their staff such as Indigenous Cultural Agility Trainings, however the Canadian community, at large, is still very unaware of the unique needs and culture of the Deaf Community. Because of this Deaf Individuals are often underserved or inadequately served.
A local Community Living Society has experienced this problem first hand. They are attempting to service Deaf (and Deaf plus) individuals however are realizing they are in need of education. We are seeking a strong team of individuals who are willing and able to help them address their need so that they can care for the Deaf Community better, and with the care that they deserve!
So once again, are you a MATURE, PASSIONATE, DEAF INDIVIDUAL, WITH STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS that is interested in being part of consulting a local organization on the needs of the Deaf? If you are an interpreter, parent or anyone else who is FLUENT in ASL and with EXCELLENT KNOWLEDGE of Deaf culture/needs you will also be considered; please reach out to me via text/email/Facebook or Instagram to discuss further.
We, at Cahoots Theatre, are beyond thrilled with phase two of the project, “What’s up with DATT?” Cahoots Theatre started with the innovative, unique project “Deaf Artists and Theatres Toolkit” (DATT), with the findings implemented from a production entitled “ULTRASOUND”, the play written by Adam Pottle, and performed by Deaf Artists, premiered in 2015. It was co-produced by Cahoots and Theatre Passe Muraille.
The DATT website went live, in October 2016. At the time, a survey was sent out to the Deaf Arts community, and it was met with favourable responses. However, we feel that the focus is on DEAF ARTISTS and your experiences in theatrical settings and from the DATT website.
We would love it if you could fill out the attached survey link. It’ll take a few minutes of your time. There’s a total of 21 questions. All the short videos are in ASL.
Please watch the introduction video first before completing the survey.
Join us to practice your creative writing skills and re-claim your voice as we explore creative writing as a tool for self-expression. This two hour class, led by author Emily Gillespie, will include a brief introduction to memoir writing, creating safety containers for memoir writing and prompts to get you started in telling your story. Prompts will be given to help you recognize emotions and themes emerging in your life that you may wish to explore further. You will leave this session with a short-story, and brainstorming about further themes you may want to explore on your own time. All writing levels and voices welcome.
ASL and Closed Captions will be provided.
This workshop will be presented on Zoom
FREE for Kickstart Members (membership will be confirmed upon registration*)
$10 for the general public OR purchase a membership to access other workshops in 2021 for Free!
Geoff McMurchy (1955–2015), Kickstarts founding Artistic Director, was a pioneer in the local and international disability arts community. Anyone who knew him will tell you that he was an amazing Artist, and a trailblazer in the disability arts and culture community, who influenced a huge number of people.
Geoff’s dream was that disability art be considered on the same level as all art. “My interest is that the art that is presented should not be through the filter of ‘disability’; I would like it to be appreciated as art, and you don’t have to like it,” he once said.
